Fabulous Winter Warmers | Written By Paula Joye

Winter dressing is fun.

I love it when the temperature drops just enough and I can start to layer my clothes.

There are lots of new, fun cover-ups this season – most work day to night – that will help update your favourite basics just by throwing them over the top.

Here’s my pick of the best shapes – permission to go nuts.
PJxx

The Waterfall Vest.

This is for those days when it’s not too hot, not too cold and you’re looking for just right.

A longline vest is very versatile because you can wear it corporately (as I have here) or throw it over jeans on the weekend.

It will also work under a cropped blazer or long coat if you want to layer it up.

CLICK TO BUY: Black Pintuck Shirt, $39.95 from Katies; Fit & Slim Black Jeans, $19.95 from Katies; Grey Marle Waterfall Vest from Katies (currently sold out but will be back in stock from June 15); Patent Pumps from Saint Laurent.

The Blanket Wrap.

This is essentially like wearing your bed to the shops.

So snug and easy – this is the thing you throw on when you don’t know what to to throw on.
Plus I’m a sucker for tartan. Or anything British.

And it’s practically free.

CLICK TO BUY: Check Wrap, $49.95 from Katies; Alexa Chung from AG Cream Jeans, $326 from Matches Fashion; The Dingo (hat), $99.50 from Fallen Broken Street.

The Duffle.

Paddington Bear is a style icon.

Duffle coat, gum boots, school case… they’re all classics.

Traditionally a heavy duty coat, duffles are best reserved for casual.

On weekends, school run, travelling …these guys are your best friend.

I love the touch of faux fur on the hood.

Pretty and practical.

It also comes in a great soft grey…so maybe you need both?


CLICK TO BUY: Black Duffle Coat, $119.95 from Katies; Distressed Skinny Jeans, $59.95 from Katies.

The Maxi Cardi.

Soft, floaty, comfy – what other adjectives do you need?!

Sometimes long cardigans can be shapeless, but you can always fix this by adding a belt. Cinched high at the waist will change the silhouette from relaxed to more dressy.

Choose a skinny belt with this medium weave and wear it over a pencil skirt for a classic, chic look.
My favourite companions for a maxi cardigan are a simple white t-shirt, a pair of blue jeans and ballet flats – it’s a great fall-back outfit to have in your wardrobe.

CLICK TO BUY: Longline Chunky Cardi, $59.95 from Katies; White V-neck T-shirt from Bassike, Distressed Skinny Jeans, $59.95 from Katies; Nude Ballet Flats from SamBag; Ray-Ban Aviators, $207 from ASOS.

The Soft Coat.

Long coats are the reason to get out of bed in winter.

Flattering and forever chic, they pull any and all outfits together like ribbon on brown paper.

This season don’t just wear your coat for day because in the evening they really come into their own.

Ball gown, cocktail dress…just make sure that the coat hits the bottom of the thigh or longer to give a long, lean shape.

I love the colour and cut on this coat.

And also…wear pink.


CLICK TO BUY: Pastel Long Coat from Katies, $119.95; Vintage Cocktail Dress (my own), Christian Louboutin So Kate Pumps in Nude, $896.95 from Saks Fifth Avenue.

The Poncho.

The poncho is to winter what the the kaftan is to summer.

Just switch your swimsuit to a pair of jeans.

I like to wear them loose but if you want a little more shape then you can belt it (fine leather this season, nothing chunky) just at the bottom of your rib cage to give you a nice A-line finish.

CLICK TO BUY: Poncho Knit, $49.95 from Katies; Distressed Skinny Jeans, $59.95 from Katies; Ray-Ban Aviators, $207 from ASOS.

View thejoye.com

The Accessories Edit | Written by Iris May Style

Life, for all of us is well, super busy.

We dash from day-to-day, with to-do list’s a plenty, trying to jam-pack as much in to each and everyday as possible.

On top of that, we still have to think about what we are going to wear.
Hard work? Yes, it can be.

Sometimes, I can forget how simple it is to change an outfit with accessories…yes, me.
Even I can get caught in a rut too.

Grabbing the same things for quickness, because its easy/or because you’re probably madly in love with them.

Means we ignore a high percentage of our wardrobe – please tell me I’m not the only one?
Which unfortunately leads to the rest of our clobber feeling left out, patiently waiting on the sidelines, begging to be noticed.

But sometimes the simple things can look the most effective.

Start with the basics.

My go-to favourite piece of clothing has always been jeans.
I just love them.

Jeans and a white tee are the best starting block for any wardrobe.

Every girl deserves to own a great pair of jeans (or Ms. Jeans’ comfy sister Ms. Jegging).
They don’t need to cost a fortune, but the do need to feel a million bucks.

I just refuse to be uncomfortable in my jeans these days.

Mid-High Rise are my favourite, with an added touch of stretch for comfort if you don’t mind!

To go with those fabulous jeans, there is nothing nicer than a cracking white tee – which gives you the basis of a perfect outfit.

Note:

If you manage to nail the fit and cut of a white tee, my advice is simple: buy a couple…take this from someone who has learned their lesson.

I prefer my tee’s to be v-neck, made of good quality cotton or linen with a touch of stretch and a crisp ice-white finish – but they are super-difficult to find.

Hence, when I do find one I absolutely adore, I wear it to death – then go into a blind panic to try to find another.

I’m in that looking stage now…if by any chance you see a fab cotton v-neck that’s not too baggy, can you let me know?

As I mentioned in this post these Katies jeans are sublime to wear. They tick all my boxes.
My bloggy mate Kimbalikes swears by them too.

Anyway, now I’ve set the stage – let’s add some pizzazz!

Tell me you love a trench as much as I do?

They are so versatile and hide a multitude of sins I’m the clumsy one, that always manages to spill stuff down herself. They are the perfect cover-up.

Although the trench is one of the main Autumnal must-haves – I have loved them forever.
My wardrobe is never without one.

Back in the Motherland – I had trench’s a plenty. In every colour you can imagine.
So this lightweight one from Katies was right up my street.


Katies Trench* (no longer online but still available in some stores)

Weight-wise, its perfect around these parts BUT it could easily be layered if there is a nip-in-the-air in your neck of the woods.

A trench is the perfect accessory to change-up many an outfit and one that should never be forgotten as an accessory.

Yep, you heard me accessory. That’s what a trench is to me.

Throw it over your shoulders for an instant hit of cool sophistication.
It will quite simply transform your outfit.

Another A/W must-have is the blanket wrap.


Zig Zac Wrap $49.95 * Katies

Now I love my scarves, so I guess it was a no-brainer, that I would fall for the blanket wrap.

Again, just like the trench, throw it over your shoulders Mexican Rancher Style or belt it for a more form-fitting look.

But whatever you do, don’t underestimate the statement just one wrap can make to an outfit.

Think zero to hero in a second flat – same with the trench.

They just work.

Or why not treat yourself to some new jewellery.

Jewellery has streamlined itself this season.

It’s delicate and lightweight – but that doesn’t mean that its understated appearance looks any less special.

Cute and geometric is everywhere and basically goes with everything!


Cut Out Shape Necklace $29.95 * Katies

Or how about adding a Tribal feel, I love earthy-muted palettes to jazz up a simple outfit?



Necklace from Katies – check in store to see when this piece will arrive.

I’ve tried to show this how the blanket wrap stays on when I’m moving around (it really does stay in place) plus a couple of extra trench pic’s too.

So next time you feel like your wardrobe is in need of an injection of something different, take a moment to ask yourself if a few key accessories pieces might just do the trick.

If you see a fabulous scarf, belt, shoes, jewellery or bag that is love-at-first-sight – snap it up!

Your wardrobe passion will be sparked in a heartbeat.

Are you an accessories girl? Have you added a blanket wrap, trench or cape to your A/W wardrobe?

* These items were gifted to me in accordance with my disclosure policy.

Bev,

Visit irismaystyle.com

Ways To Wear AW15

We've got Winter wrapped up with outfitting made simple:

An inspiring collection of wearable trends that come together to create instant wardrobe

solutions for the life you live today - and everyday!

THE WRAP

Look 1  |  Let the wrap make the statement. Wear belted for effortless style with maximum impact.

Look 2  |  For a relaxed yet stylish look, wear draped over the shoulder with your favourite jeans.

THE JOGGER

Look 1  |  Smarten your look with a printed top, blazer and heels.

Look 2  |  Pair with a stripe top and puffer for instant laid back chic.

THE LONG LINE CARDIGAN

Look 1  |  Layer over a printed shift dress and add statement accessories for sleek sophistication.

Look 2  |  For a relaxed look, pair with jeans and a printed scarf.

SHOP NEW ARRIVALS

Trends To Try AW15

This season, wearable trends are brought to life in contemporary silhouettes,
layered looks, exclusive prints and pop colours.

Which trend will you fall for?

THE SOFT TRENCH

The new trench with soft draping, a relaxed silhouette and graphic mono prints
makes this season style effortless.

STRIPES

Stripes are here to stay! Make a graphic statement this season.

MIXED LAYERS

Discover the lighter way to layer. Tops with layers are versatile, flattering and feminine.

LONG LINE CARDIGAN

Make a relaxed statement in the season's essential layering piece.

THE WRAP

Chic meets cosy this season. Wear the wrap belted or draped over the shoulders
for an effortless style with maximum impact.

CHECKS

Bold, subtle or graphic, checks give monochrome a contemporary edge. Pair with
simple separates for a look that's clean, modern and stylish.

TEXTURED KNITS

Make a relaxed statement in the season's essential layering piece.

THE JOGGER

Ankle cuffs and drawstring details add a sports luxe edge to the most versatile pant of the season.
The jogger will take your look from laid back chic to super style - just add heels.

SHOP NEW ARRIVALS

Autumn | Katies Style | Written by Bev from Iris May Style

Not sure what the weather is doing in your neck of the woods, but here in SE QLD nearly everyone is itching for some cooler temps.

Autumn is not really showing its face much around these parts of late.

Most days, temps are still nudging 30 degrees and unless you seek shelter in some Icelandic aircon, its almost impossible to get excited about Autumn/Winter clothes.

But think on beauties, don’t let the sunshine lull you into a false sense of security when it comes to getting your key A/W pieces sorted.

Because happen it will, and when it does, you need to be ready.

I know my southern friends are already having a taste of what A/W is really like…I may be a touch jealous!

Anyhoo, if you’re new around here. You need to know this:

I’m the kinda girl who hyper-ventilates when it comes to making sure all her bases are covered for my wardrobe staples.

Yes, I’ll admit, I can get a tad over-excited when something new sparks interest on my fashion-radar.
Especially so, if I believe I can incorporate/translate the latest trend without compromising my style personality.

Yes, style personality. We all have one. It’s what makes us unique.

Sometimes, I may run with a trend and fall head-over-heels – Hello drop crotch pants. YOU ARE MINE.

Or maybe if I’m a bit unsure, I’ll just offer a nod in that direction.

Either way, I either full on embrace or find a way to have fun.

One thing is for sure, my wardrobe holds no room for regret.

So in my quest to get myself A/W ready a few key pieces have mysteriously found their way into my robe…

Jeans | Window Pane Trench | Biker Jacket

The gorgeous Sonia Styling first brought Katies jeans to my attention last year – it goes without saying, I brought them, right?

I fell in love with just how versatile and comfortable they were.

So I was super-excited to try the new Super Shaper Jeggings.

Anything that says super and shaper in the same sentence deserves my attention – don’t you agree?
Did I mention the price? $49.95

Hell Yeah. I know!



Super Shaper Jeans in Dark Denim* (I’m wearing a 12) $49.95 | 3/4 sleeve Hi Lo Pullover* $39.95 | Iris Heels from Country Road (Last Season)

They feel super supportive in all the right places, besides being thick enough to disguise any lumps and bumps that well, quite frankly, need disguising

So here’s a couple of way’s I’ll be wearing mine:

Anything monochrome ALWAYS gets my vote on the style stakes….you can take the girl out of England, but you can’t take England out of the girl – blame the weather!

Add some window pane check and BAM the jeggings are still there doing their thing, but the trench now becomes the hero.



Window Pane Check Trench* $89.95 | Jeans and shoes as above

This outfit would take me almost anywhere.

Perfect for travelling due to the comfort factor of the jeggings, but still smart enough for a city lunch or a date with your girlfriends.

Add a great bag and your favourite sunnies and you’re good-to-go.

The soft trench is one of my key recommendations for the season.

Throw it over mucky jeans and a tee for a touch of school-Mum glam…no one will ever know what’s lurking underneath – I promise you will still look tres-chic!

Or simply belt it for a more slimline silhouette.

Another A/W trend that refuses to go away is Biker Style.



Front Zip PU Jacket* $89.95 | Graphic Print Shirt*$49.95 | Jeans as above | Tatiana Pumps from Nine West $139.95

To be honest, I can’t ever remember a time when my wardrobe didn’t have at least one leather jacket hanging on the rail.

I love the added texture it offers to soft fabrics and denim.

But, unless you have a shed load of cash to part with, I suggest considering pleather.

You get all the benefits without lying awake at night worrying about your poor old bank balance.
Just so you know, everyone that has seen this jacket, actually thought it was leather.

I could easily have opted for traditional black, but instead, I wanted the lift that cream offers denim.

You probably already know I’m more than a tad obsessed with anything winter white anyway – so I just couldn’t pass this beauty by…in fact, if you look close enough I think it has my name plastered all over it

The most important thing about the latest trends is to realise they are just that.

Enjoy them, have some fun, but don’t lose who you are in the process.

Instead make the look your own

*These items have been gifted to me for editorial consideration, in accordance with my disclosure policy.

Visit irismaystyle.com

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